
Recently, the world of academia and pop culture collided with the much-anticipated release of "Taylor Swift and the Philosophy of Re-recording: The Art of Taylor's Versions." This anthology, which explores the philosophical themes surrounding the re-recording of music, is the brainchild of Chair & Professor of Philosophy Brandon Polite '03 who found inspiration in the works of chart-topping artists reimagining their classic tunes. Polite's interest in the topic was sparked by Taylor Swift's strategic move to re-record her albums following a high-profile dispute over ownership rights. According to Knox College News, the story began with an essay for Bloomsbury's Contemporary Aesthetics in 2021, which then grew into a full-fledged book project.
In creating the compendium, Polite capitalized on his "Polite Conversations: Philosophers Discussing Art" YouTube series, where he partook in deep discussions with other philosophers. This initiative not only enriched public discourse but also helped Polite assemble his "dream team" of contributors for the anthology. These contributors offered insights into the ethics of copyright, the nature of both recorded and re-recorded music, as well as the broader impact of Swift's re-recordings. "It was a delight working with all of the contributors, I selected them because I knew they would generate really good work. And all of them exceeded my already high expectations. The chapters they produced are all absolutely fantastic," Polite said, highlighting the high caliber of contributions in the anthology. His role as an editor involved careful decision-making to effectively piece together the overarching narrative for the readers, a task that proved to be as laborious as it was critical.
The publication of "Taylor Swift and the Philosophy of Re-recording" in January 2025 marks a significant milestone in Polite's career, and it coincides with an era where the educational landscape is increasingly intertwined with popular culture. Through this book, Polite aims not only to reach classrooms worldwide but also to connect with the legions of Taylor Swift fans. In doing so, he hopes to bridge the gap between philosophical thought and popular music, inciting an appreciation for deeper issues often reserved for academic spheres. As Polite explained, Swift's work provides an accessible way to spread philosophical ideas among her vast audience. "By the very nature of her work, she is helping us to disseminate philosophical ideas and ways of thinking to the widest possible audience," he told Knox College News.
Indeed, with Swift's global appeal and her proactive stance on artists' rights, the subject at hand goes beyond mere musical revision. It delves into the realm where artistic integrity, copyright law, and the philosophy of art converge. Polite's analysis and the contributions within the anthology offer a unique lens through which to view the singer's endeavor, a perspective that may lift the veil for fans and scholarly critics alike, revealing the intricate web of ethical, metaphysical, and social-political concepts at play in Swift's assertive reclamation of her work.